Georgen Porras 

Georgen Porras has been serving at the Children’s Development Center (CDI) in San José for the past year and a half — but her connection to the ministry began long before that. Years ago, before she knew anything about CDI or the church behind it, the folklore dance group she directed was invited to perform at the grand opening of CDI’s new facility. After the event, Pastor Carlos Gómez invited her group to become part of the center’s programming. Soon after, Georgen began holding dance practices at CDI, and children from a nearby high-risk neighborhood started to join.

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What began as a single dance group has grown into a multifaceted outreach. Today, Georgen directs multiple programs — including ballet, music, karate, and jiu-jitsu — with support from volunteer teachers. Together, they serve 43 children, many of whom face socioeconomic challenges.

Her greatest joy is witnessing transformation. Some of the first children who joined her dance group are now young adults who know God personally — and six of them are studying at university thanks to CDI’s long-term support. That support includes tutoring, English classes, scholarships, and vocational courses that open doors to higher education.

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Georgen has watched children go from substance use to dancing in Costa Rica’s top theaters and winning medals in national competitions. “I love what I do,” she says. “This fills my heart with joy.”

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At the core of everything CDI does is the Gospel. Georgen and the team are committed to sharing the message of Jesus with every child and family. She believes the reason the children excel is simple: they know that God is with them — and by His strength, they can go further than they ever imagined.

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Today, CDI is the first organization in San José to intentionally use dance, music, and sports as tools for evangelism. Under Georgen’s leadership, that vision continues to grow — transforming lives, one child at a time.